The Soapbox: Daily Herald editors offer brief thoughts on their hopes for the new year.
This week's Clippable Quote
"Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right"
- Oprah Winfrey
Let us resolve to make 2022 one of reconciliation - a year when we learn to listen more, learn more, preach less, anger less. Wishing you boundless love in the year ahead.
- John Lampinen, retired Editor
As a nation, we faced painful challenges in 2021 - from the riot at the Capitol nearly a year ago to the exhausting battle against COVID-19. Many more challenges lie ahead. Today, I wish for a year of good health. A year of tolerance. A year of peace. And a year of renewed commitment to protecting our planet. Welcome, 2022.
- Lisa Miner, Deputy Managing Editor/News
I'm looking forward to a lot more understanding and a lot less polarization in the new year. If you're able, get vaccinated. If you go out, wear a mask. Everyone benefits. Let's hope as many people as possible can enjoy yet another birthday.
- Mike Smith, Sports Editor
Change is good. I wholeheartedly believe that and that all the things we endure happen for a reason and a greater purpose that is part of God's plan. Where 2021 was transformative, I'm looking forward to further growth in 2022 as I take on new responsibilities at the Daily Herald, as well as rekindle personal goals for better physical, mental and spiritual health. Coming off a prolonged pandemic, the latter is more critical than ever. Let us quell the darkness with positive light from within.
- Madhu Krishnamurthy, Assistant City Editor
Now that our entire family is vaccinated, I'm looking forward to travel, restaurants, movies and more normalcy in 2022. We've figured out creative and safe ways to do just about everything lately, but that can be exhausting. Relaxing inside at a friend's house, attending a play and dancing at an indoor concert are on my list for 2022!
- Kelly Vold, Senior Digital Editor for Engagement
Kelly's right: We have found new ways to do things. But there's always a little worry, especially in places where not all agree on masking. Can we get past the worry? Can we see our colleagues in the office again, even once in a while? Let's hope we find our new normal.
- Neil Holdway, Deputy Managing Editor/Late News
I'm crossing my fingers that my husband and I can finally take our twice-postponed trip to the Tour de France in July. The vacation, which I had planned in secret for years, was supposed to be a 50th birthday present for Neil in 2020. Now (we hope) it'll coincide with my 50th.
- Michelle Holdway, News Editor
Because of the pandemic, I have not traveled with my wife and kids in more than two years. Now we're all vaccinated and expect to get our booster shots. So in 2022, it would be nice to finally take a family vacation, preferably somewhere warm and sunny.
- Robert Sanchez, City Editor
As we head into 2022, my greatest wish for high school sports is that gyms can continue to be packed safely. We've sorely missed out on state basketball tournaments for two years, the effect of the pandemic robbing those student athletes of a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Everyone's resolution should be to mask up, and fill the stands!
- John Radtke, High School Sports Editor
As we head into the new year, I'm looking forward to reconnecting with more friends and family, traveling, maybe getting back into racing again. But one of the biggest things I'm hoping for this year is getting to the point where we don't have to worry that every cough or sniffle might be COVID. There's hope on the horizon.
- Caroline Linden, Director of Community and Entertainment News
I imagine most of us have our fingers crossed for an end to the COVID crisis in 2022. And, whatever our positions on politics, religion or social issues, we probably share hopes for more civility and tolerance in 2022. The path to achieving all these things, I know, starts at my own doorstep. May I be up to the demands of the journey.
- Jim Slusher, Deputy Managing Editor/Opinion
Today marks the first day in 20 years that John Lampinen is no longer running the Daily Herald newsroom. For me, today provides a weighty opportunity to build on his legacy while trying fruitlessly to fill his size 13 shoes. Wish me luck. I hope you enjoy what's in store.
- Jim Baumann, Executive Editor